Mechanical coupling arrangement

ABSTRACT

A mechanical arrangement is disclosed for interconnecting structures by exerting equidistant upward forces to one component and an intermediate downward force to the adjacent component. A twisting motion of rotatably disposed locking members actuates the coupling. In an illustrative embodiment a magnetron energy generator and magnetic field producing means, such as an electromagnet, are coupled together by support and housing structures actuated by rigid elongated metallic bars which provide a positive locking force.

United States Patent Foerstner 1 Nov. 7, 1972 [54] MECHANICAL COUPLINGARRANGEMENT [72] Inventor: Richard A Foerstner, Iowa City,

Iowa

[73] Assignee: Amana Refrigeration lnc., Amana,

Iowa

[22 Filed: April6, 1971 [21 Appl.No.: 131,618

[52] US. Cl. ..2l9/10.55, 24/263 B, 220/66 [51] Int. Cl. ..H05b 9/06,BOld 3/00, B23k 1/16 [581 Field of Search ..2l9/l0.55; 313/157;

287/l89.36 R, 20, 92 T; 24/132 WL, 134 E, 134 EA, 19l. 263 B, 312/271;220/66 [56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS Domenichini et a1..219/l0.55

Primary Examiner-.l. V. Truhe Assistant Examiner-Hugh D. .laegerAttorney-Harold A. Murphy, Joseph D. Pannone and Edgar O. Rost [57]ABSTRACT A mechanical arrangement is disclosed for interconnectingstructures by exerting equidistant upward forces to one component and anintermediate downward force to the adjacent component. A twisting motionof rotatably disposed locking members actuates the coupling. in anillustrative embodiment a magnetron energy generator and magnetic fieldproducing means, such as an electromagnet, are coupled together bysupport and housing structures actuated by rigid elongated metallic barswhich provide a positive locking force.

2 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures COMPONENT A '2 PATENTED 7 I972 SHEEI 1 BF 2MECHANICAL COUPLING ARRANGEMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Prior artmechanical arrangements for coupling components generally utilize pluralfastening members. such as bolts, slotted or Allen set screws along withancillary structures, such as brackets, flanges and the like. Thisresults in some applications in higher product costs and frequentlybreakage or damage of components when replacement is required. Further,accessibility is often a factor which can result in high labor costs.

In an illustrative application the coupling of an external electromagnetto a magnetron oscillator device for use in high frequency heatingapparatus results in a combined assembly occupying a relatively largespace and an overall weight of between to pounds. The support andhousing structure is conventionally fabricated of steel plate enclosingthe components as well as defining a magnetic return path. The initialinstallation of the combined assembly in the oven apparatus ovens, aswell as replacement after operation, when required, has been hampered byspace and weight considerations with present day coupling structures.The magnetron energy generators under consideration have a dielectricdome member housing an antenna inserted within waveguide means topropagate the energy within a cooking enclosure. Handling andmanipulation can result in damage of the dielectric and loss of anexpensive component. A simple and inexpensive coupling arrangement formechanical components is, therefore, desirable, particularly forrelatively heavy or bulky components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the teachings of theinvention, a coupling arrangement is disclosed comprising substantiallyequidistant rigid elongated locking members extending within alignedopenings in opposing walls of one of the components to be coupled. Suchmembers define at least one substantially planar surface adapted toengage and move upwardly a second component upon actuation by a twistingmechanical motion. The upward motion establishes a second resting orinterference point for the locking members within the walls of theopenings and securely retains the coupled components. No furthercoupling means are required and the material for the locking members isselected in accordance with the weight and mass of the componentsinvolved. The locking members are provided with a moderate bend at eachend to establish the dimension differential required in the upwardtravel to secure the positive locking force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Details of the invention as well as anillustrative embodiment will be readily understood after considerationof the following description and reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. I is an isometric view of the illustrative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the illustrative embodimentprior to the actuation of the coupling arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of the coupled components afteractuation of the arrangement;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the locking members of the illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thelocking members;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heating apparatusembodying the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side view partly in section of a magnetron energy generatorassembly utilizing the illustrative embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT High frequency electrical energyheating apparatus commonly utilizes a magnetron generator with suchenergy being launched within a suitable enclosure providing a heatingchamber. An exemplary device for generating such energy is the magnetronoscillator also used in radar systems. The text Microwave Magnetrons,"Radiation Laboratory Series, Vol. 6, by G. B. Collins, McGraw-Hill BookCompany, Inc., 1948, describes in detail the construction and operationof such energy generators. Conventionally, a dielectric dome memberencloses a conductive wire antenna for radiating the high frequencywaves within the heating chamber. Further information regarding anexemplary application of the invention is also available in US. Pat. No.3,531,613 issued Sept. 29, l970. The magnetron assembly may incorporatean externally mounted electromagnet surrounding the magnetic pole piecemember for directing the magnetic field within the electron interactionspace as well as magnetic field return path means. High voltage leadsfrom a suitable source are connected to the magnetron cathode and are RFshielded by feedthrough capacitors adjacent to the electromagnet supportto complete the assembly. In heating apparatus in present day usage, theoverall magnetron generator assembly may weigh as much as 20 pounds dueto the large magnetic fields required. An illustration of an exemplaryprior art embodiment of the magnetic field and magnetron oscillatorsecuring and housing means incorporating plural screw fasteners as wellas clamps and brackets is available in the aforereferenced LettersPatent. The positioning of the energy antenna enclosure member will alsobe readily discerned.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 inclusive, the illustrative embodiment of thenovel mechanical coupling arrangement will be described. A fixedsubstantially U-shaped three-sided member 2 is shown which will also bereferred to in the description as Component A" for convenience. Themember 2 may, for example, be employed as a magnetron assembly housingand retaining member for the electromagnet type device. Top wall 4 andparallel sidewalls 6 and 8 are defined by the structure. For theintended use as a housing and retainer member for a magnetronoscillator, opening 10 is provided for the insertion of the dielectricdome member. Opposing sidewalls 6 and 8 have aligned openings 12 and 14as well as 16 and 18. At an intermediate point in each of the sidewallsbetween the aligned openings, a notch 20 and 22 is provided. Thedimensions of each notch is adapted to receive oppositely disposed tabportions 24 and 26 extending from the peripheral walls of movablesupport plate member 28, again designated for ease in understanding theinvention as Component B. An oppositely disposed opening 30 may beprovided in member 28 aligned for insertion of high voltage leads andthe cathode support assembly through cylindrical pole piece member 32.Parallel equidistant locking members 34 and 36 having at least onesubstantially planar surface 340 and 36a are disposed within the alignedopenings l2, 14, 16 and 18 to provide actuating means adjacent to theextremities of plate member 28 for exerting an upward force.Substantially rigid elongated square bar members are shown in thisembodiment. The ends 42 and 44 of each locking member are provided witha moderate angular bend of approximately 30 measured from a referenceplane 37 extending along the side opposite to surfaces 34a and 36a. Aknee portion 38 and 40 is thus provided and the bent ends 42 and 44provide convenient handles for the twisting mechanical motion to behereinafter described. Locking members 34 and 36 are fabricated of ametal such as, for example, cold rolled steel to provide rigidity.Openings 12, 14, 16 and 18 permit rotation thereof within the alignedopening walls.

in FIG. 4, the dimensions utilized for coupling mechanical Components Aand B are illustrated to assist in an understanding of the invention.Member 2 has a dimension between walls 6 and 8 to accommodate member 28with the tab portions 24 and 26 positioned within slots 20 and 22. Aftertwisting mechanical actuation of members 34 and 36 the tab portions aresecurely locked in the slots. Dimension A is selected to represent theoverall outer dimensions of Component A which in an operative embodimenthad an three-eighths dimension of inches. This represents a distancebetween two interference points C and D relative to the aligned openingwalls when the locking bar members are disposed on their sides withsurface 34a in a noncontacting position with Component B. Planar surface34a has a reduced dimension to provide two new interference points E andF indicated by dimension 8. The differential in this embodimentrepresents the approximate distance of travel of tab portions 24 and 26within slots and 22 to positively lock the Component B within ComponentA after the twisting actuation motion. in the operative embodiment toprovide a travel distance of approximately three-eights of an inchdimension B was reduced to 4% inches.

Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation of the disclosedstructure is illustrated. in FIG. 2, the extending tab portion 24 ofmember 28 is shown spaced within the notch 22. In this position thelocking member 34 is resting on its side with the end portions 42 and 44contained within a reference plane coplanar to that of member 28. [nthis position outermost interference points C and D contact the walls ofaligned openings 12 and 14.

In FIG. 3, actuation of either end portion by a twisting motion ofresults in a 90 rotation of the flat surfaces and an equidistantexertion of an upward force on member 28 and tab portions 24 and 26. Theupward movement of the tab portions 24 and 26 securely and positivelycouples Components A and B with new interference points E and F restingagainst the underside of member 28 in addition to the points restingagainst the walls of the aligned openings. A downward force is exertedby the terminal walls of notches 20 and 22 on the member 28 with thecombination of forces retaining the coupled components. The selection ofthe differential dimensions A and B establishes a close fit of thearrangement.

Locking members 34 and 36 have been illustrated as having asubstantially square configuration to provide the planar surface 340 and36a. in FIG. 5, an alternative arrangement is disclosed wherein thecross section of a locking member 46 is illustrated having a planarsurface 48 together with an arcuate surface 50 for engaging thecomponent to be moved upwardly. While reference has been made to theutilization of metals such as cold rolled steel due to the use as amagnetic housing and retaining member, any other suitable materials maybe utilized in the practice of the invention for many differentapplications.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrative of a particular application of thestructure of the invention in the coupling of an electromagnetexternally to a magnetron oscillator device for a high frequency heatingapparatus. In this embodiment, the overall energy generator assembly isindicated by block 52 coupled to electrical controls and the highvoltage source indicated by block 54. The electromagnetic energy is fedfrom generator 52 by means of a radiating probe 56 housed withindielectric dome member 58 through a launching waveguide section 60 toradiate within the chamber 62 defined by the walls of conductiveenclosure 64. The energy may be distributed within the chamber by, forexample, a stirrer 66 or any other means known in the art. The articlesto be heated are supported on dielectric plate 68 within chamber 62 anda door (not shown) encloses an access opening.

The magnetron energy generator assembly 52 includes the oscillatordevice having conductive envelope 70 within which an anode having pluralresonant cavities is housed as well as an indirectly heated centralcathode. High voltage leads 72 and 74 extend from the oscillator throughthe cathode support assembly 76 to the bypass capacitor means housedwithin box member 78 secured to the bottom side of the plate member 28.Cooling fins 80 provide for the direction of circulating air for therapid removal of the heat generated by the high frequency oscillations.

Electromagnet 82 formed by a large number of turns of a conductive wireis provided with a central aperture adapted to receive cylindricalcathode pole piece member 32 also secured to plate member 28. Afterpositioning the electromagnet the magnetron generator is positioned withthe cathode support assembly '16 extending within the pole piece member32 and envelope 70 resting on the inner wall of this member. Magnetichousing and retaining member 2 is then positioned with the slots 20 and22 engaging the tab portions 24 and 26 of plate member 28. After aquarter or twist turn by actuating locking members 34 and 36, thecoupling of the desired components is completed. The overall assembly ismounted by any suitable means to communicate with waveguide 60 bybracket means (not shown) or direct fastening by screw means of themagnetic housing member 2 to a waveguide wall. During the operation ofthe heating apparatus, the magnetron oscillator device may be readilyreplaced by reversing the coupling procedure and twist rotation of thelocking members 34 and 36. After the insertion of a new device, theassembly may again be secured by the steps hereinbefore outlined.

There is thus disclosed an efficient mechanical arrangement for use incoupling components by a simple twisting mechanical motion of parallellocking members capable of supporting any large masses. Installation andreplacement are readily simplified and a substantial number of handoperations utilized in the prior art assemblies are eliminated with tubebreakage also substantially reduced. Modifications and variations in thestructure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It isintended, therefore, that the foregoing illustrative embodiment anddetailed description be considered in the broadest aspects and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. An electromagnetic energy generator assembly for high frequencyheating apparatus comprising:

a plate member having oppositely disposed extended tab portionssupporting magnetic field producing means and a magnetron oscillatordevice;

a metallic housing and retaining member mechanically coupled to saidplate member;

said housing member having aligned openings in opposite walls and slotsintermediate to said openings dimensioned to receive said tab portions;and

plural elongated locking members disposed within said openings andadapted to raise said plate member when actuated by a twistingmechanical motion to position and retain said tab portions securelywithin said slots.

2. In combination:

a high frequency heating apparatus having a conductive enclosure and anelectromagnetic energy generator;

means for mechanically coupling magnetic field producing means to saidgenerator comprising:

a movable component supporting magnetic field producing means and theenergy generator;

said component having tab portions extending from opposing peripheralwalls;

a fixed component housing and retaining said movable component;

said fixed component having aligned openings in opposing walls and slotsintermediate to said openings dimensioned to receive said tab portions;and

parallel disposed elongated metallic locking members extending throughsaid openings and along length of said fixed component;

said locking members when actuated by a twisting rotational movementexerting an upward force on said movable component to urge said tabportions within said slots.

* III

1. An electromagnetic energy generator assembly for high frequencyheating apparatus comprising: a plate member having oppositely disposedextended tab portions supporting magnetic field producing means and amagnetron oscillator device; a metallic housing and retaining membermechanically coupled to said plate member; said housing member havingaligned openings in opposite walls and slots intermediate to saidopenings dimensioned to receive said tab portions; and plural elongatedlocking members disposed within said openings and adapted to raise saidplate member when actuated by a twisting mechanical motion to positionand retain said tab portions securely within said slots.
 2. Incombination: a high fRequency heating apparatus having a conductiveenclosure and an electromagnetic energy generator; means formechanically coupling magnetic field producing means to said generatorcomprising: a movable component supporting magnetic field producingmeans and the energy generator; said component having tab portionsextending from opposing peripheral walls; a fixed component housing andretaining said movable component; said fixed component having alignedopenings in opposing walls and slots intermediate to said openingsdimensioned to receive said tab portions; and parallel disposedelongated metallic locking members extending through said openings andalong length of said fixed component; said locking members when actuatedby a twisting rotational movement exerting an upward force on saidmovable component to urge said tab portions within said slots.